Barge pusher

ABSTRACT

A sectional barge assembly and a hydraulic thruster apparatus for maneuvering the sectional barge assembly. The hydraulic thruster apparatus includes a hydraulic power unit and a thruster unit. The hydraulic power unit includes an engine and a hydraulic pump connected to the engine. The thruster unit includes a hydraulic motor and a propeller drivingly connected to the hydraulic motor to provide a thrust force that acts to move the sectional barge assembly. The sectional barge assembly includes a plurality of barges interconnected by connector devices that are also used to interconnect the thruster unit to the sectional barge assembly. Further, a hydraulic connection panel is mounted on the thruster unit and includes a plurality of hydraulic connectors which allow a plurality of hydraulic lines to be removably connectable thereto, respectively. By this arrangement, the hydraulic pump provides pressurized hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic lines thereto the hydraulic motor and other components of the thruster unit. Additionally, the thruster unit includes at least one hydraulic cylinder for controlling vertical rectilinear sliding of a thruster unit mast between a top position and a bottom position. The thruster unit also includes a rotating mechanism for rotating the mast and a propeller assembly of the thruster unit about a longitudinal axis of the mast.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/432,696, entitled IMPROVED BARGE PUSHER, filed Mar. 28, 2012, whichis a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/953,773, entitledIMPROVED BARGE PUSHER, filed on Nov. 24, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,327,789, the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a barge propulsion system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Barges are commonly used on waterways during large construction projectsto support heavy equipment. In order to maneuver the barge and the heavyequipment into a desired position, hydraulic thruster units are used.Hydraulic thrusters may be formed as self-contained units that arereadily mountable to and removable from individual barges.

Existing hydraulic thruster units contain a single unit having a powercomponent and a propeller component that are not easily disconnectedfrom each other. The problem with these existing designs is that thelocations on the barge where the propeller component can be positionedare limited. Further, it is difficult to transport both the powercomponent and the propeller component together to a desired constructionproject.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a hydraulic thruster apparatus formaneuvering a marine vessel. In one aspect of the present disclosure,the hydraulic thruster apparatus comprises a hydraulic power unitpositionable on a deck of the marine vessel and a thruster unitconnectable to the marine vessel. The hydraulic power unit includes anengine and a hydraulic pump connected to the engine. The thruster unitincludes a frame removably connectable to the marine vessel and apropeller assembly connected to the frame. The propeller assemblyincludes a hydraulic motor and a propeller drivingly connected to thehydraulic motor. The propeller provides a thrust force that acts to movethe marine vessel. The thruster unit further comprises a rotatingmechanism for rotating the propeller assembly about a generally verticalaxis relative to the frame and a raising and lowering mechanism forcontrolling vertical rectilinear sliding of said propeller assemblyrelative to said frame. The hydraulic thruster apparatus furthercomprises a hydraulic connection panel mounted on the thruster unit,wherein at least one of the hydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, andthe raising and lowering mechanism is hydraulically connected to thehydraulic power unit by way of the hydraulic connection panel. Inanother aspect of the present disclosure, at least two of the hydraulicmotor, the rotating mechanism, and the raising and lowering mechanismare hydraulically connected to the hydraulic power unit by way of thehydraulic connection panel. In another embodiment, all three of thehydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, and the raising and loweringmechanism are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic power unit by wayof the hydraulic connection panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic power unit comprises aplurality of first hydraulic lines in fluid communication with thehydraulic pump and the thruster unit comprises a plurality of secondhydraulic lines in fluid communication with at least one of thehydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, and the raising and loweringmechanism, the first hydraulic lines connected to at least some of thesecond hydraulic lines through the connection panel. In one embodiment,the hydraulic connection panel includes a support member having aplurality of first hydraulic connectors and a plurality of secondhydraulic connectors, the first hydraulic lines removably connectable tothe first hydraulic connectors, respectively, and the second hydrauliclines connectable to the second hydraulic connectors, respectively. Bythis arrangement, the hydraulic pump provides pressurized hydraulicfluid through the first hydraulic lines and the second hydraulic linesto at least one of the hydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, and theraising and lowering mechanism. In another aspect of the presentdisclosure, at least the first hydraulic connectors are quick connectfittings capable of being connected and disconnected without the use oftools.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided acombination including a sectional barge assembly and a thruster unit formaneuvering the sectional barge assembly. The sectional barge assemblyincludes a first barge and a second barge, a plurality of firstconnection elements on the first barge, a plurality of second connectionelements on the second barge aligned with the plurality of firstconnection elements, and connector devices of a certain configurationinterconnecting the plurality of first connection elements and theplurality of second connection elements, respectively, to therebyconnect the first barge and the second barge together. In thisembodiment, the thruster unit includes a frame, a motor, and a propellerdrivingly connected to the motor. Further, the thruster unit includes athruster unit connection element on the frame compatible with theconnector devices. In this arrangement, a connector device having saidcertain configuration also interconnects a barge connection element andthe thruster unit connection element to thereby connect the thrusterunit to the sectional barge assembly. In one embodiment, the connectordevices comprise a Poseidon I connector device, which is compatible witha Rendrag® type barge. In another embodiment, the connector devicescomprise a Poseidon II connector device, which is compatible with aFlexifloat® type barge.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided acombination including a barge and a thruster unit assembly formaneuvering the barge. The barge being adapted to be connected to otherbarges by means of either a connector device of a first configuration ora connector device of a second configuration different from the firstconfiguration and having a plurality of barge connection elementspositioned along its periphery. The thruster unit includes a frame, amotor, a propeller drivingly connected to the motor, and a plurality ofthruster unit connection elements on the frame. By this arrangement, thethruster unit is connected to an end wall or a side wall of the barge bymeans of a first connector device of the first configuration or a secondconnector device of the second configuration that respectively engagesthe barge connection elements on the barge and the thruster unitconnection elements on the frame.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided acombination including a barge and a thruster unit for maneuvering thebarge. The barge includes an upper surface and a bottom surface. Thethruster unit includes a frame removably connectable to the barge and amast slidably connected to the frame. By this arrangement, the mast isslidable vertically rectilinearly between a top position and a bottomposition. The thruster unit further includes a propeller assemblyconnected to the mast, and the propeller assembly includes a motor and apropeller drivingly connected to the motor. Further, the thruster unitincludes a raising and lowering mechanism for controlling verticalrectilinear sliding of the mast relative to the frame between the topposition and the bottom position. In an exemplary embodiment, with themast in the top position the propeller is above the bottom surface ofthe barge, and with the mast in the bottom position the propeller isjust below the bottom surface of the barge. In one embodiment, theraising and lowering mechanism comprises at least one hydraulic cylinderconnected to the frame.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided athruster unit for maneuvering a marine vessel comprising a frameremovably connectable to the marine vessel, a mast rotatably connectedto the frame, and a propeller assembly connected to the mast. Thepropeller assembly includes a motor and a propeller drivingly connectedto the motor. Further, the thruster unit includes a rotating mechanismrotatably connected to and vertically supported on the frame, the mastengaged with the rotating mechanism for rotation therewith andrectilinear sliding relative thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, therotating mechanism, the mast, and the propeller assembly rotate togetherabout a longitudinal axis of the mast. In one embodiment, the rotatingmechanism comprises a turntable bearing assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention itself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescriptions of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sectional barge assembly and a bargepusher unit in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded fragmentary view illustrating a first sectionalbarge and a second sectional barge;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first sectional barge of FIG. 2connected with the second sectional barge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sectional barge in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the barge pusher unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an outdrive unit in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a frame for connecting the thrusterunit of FIG. 6 to the sectional barge assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view illustrating one type of connector device forconnecting the frame of FIG. 7 to a sectional barge;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 7 connected to asectional barge;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a thruster unit in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a thruster unit in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the thruster unit;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the thruster unit ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a front portion of the thruster unit ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a thruster unit in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the barge pusher unit and asectional barge assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates hydraulicconnections in accordance with the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a barge construction pusher unit that isreadily mountable to and removable from an individual barge. Such abarge pusher unit is used to maneuver a barge on a waterway into adesired position at a construction site. The barge pusher unit can beused with a single barge as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, or twoor more barges connected together as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 illustrates barge pusher unit 10 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, barge pusher unit 10 includes hydraulic power unit 12, thrusterunit 14, and thruster unit connection panel 16. Barge assembly 18 isillustrated in FIG. 1 comprising a plurality of barges 20 interconnectedtogether, as discussed in more detail below. Each barge 20 generallyincludes deck 22, bottom 24 opposite deck 22, side walls 26, front wall28, and rear wall 30 opposite front wall 28. Side walls 26, front wall28, and rear wall 30 extend from deck 22 to bottom 24. Additionally,side walls 26, front wall 28, and rear wall 30 each define a pluralityof longitudinal cavities 32 extending from deck 22 to bottom 24.

Hydraulic power unit 12 is positioned on deck 22 of a desired barge 20.In one embodiment, hydraulic power unit 12 maintains its position ondeck 22 by the force of its weight. In alternate embodiments, hydraulicpower unit 12 is secured to deck 22 by various securement devices suchas a plurality of fasteners or welding brackets. Thruster unit 14 isconnected to a desired barge 20 by connector devices discussed in moredetail below. Thruster unit 14 is used to maneuver barge assembly 18 oran individual barge 20 on a waterway and hydraulic power unit 12 powersand controls thruster unit 14.

Although an exemplary arrangement of barge pusher unit 10 is illustratedin FIG. 1 with barge assembly 18 including a plurality of barges 20, itis contemplated that barge pusher unit 10 may be used in accordance withthe present disclosure with a single barge 20.

Referring to FIG. 5, barge pusher unit 10 includes hydraulic power unit12 and thruster unit 14. Thruster unit 14 and hydraulic power unit 12are separate units that are hydraulically connected via a plurality ofrigid or flexible hydraulic lines. Referring to FIG. 16, a block diagramis shown that schematically illustrates hydraulic connections inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, asdiscussed in further detail below.

Thruster unit 14 generally includes outdrive unit 68 (FIG. 6), frame 70(FIG. 7), turntable bearing assembly 72, and lift assembly 74. Referringto FIGS. 5 and 6, outdrive unit 68 generally includes mast 76, propellerassembly 78, and hydraulic motor 80. In an exemplary embodiment, asillustrated in FIG. 6, cylindrical-shaped mast 76 includes a bulkheadfitting 82 secured thereto at a top end. Bulkhead fitting 82 is fastenedto mast 76 and defines three hose openings 88. At a bottom end, mast 76terminates at mast flange 84. Further, mast 76 includes a first key 86extending vertically along a longitudinal axis of mast 76 at a frontlocation (FIG. 6) and a back location (FIG. 12), the two keys 86 beingspaced approximately 180° degrees from each other. In an exemplaryembodiment, mast 76 is made of galvanized steel. Pipe 90 of propellerassembly 78 has a top end terminating at pipe flange 92. Pipe flange 92is secured to mast flange 84 by various techniques, such as a pluralityof fasteners, to secure mast 76 and propeller assembly 78 theretogether.Bottom portion of pipe 90 is welded to hydraulic motor housing 94 whichcontains hydraulic motor 80. One example of a suitable hydraulic motor80 is Eaton® Model #5433-174 available from Eaton Corporation. Thishydraulic motor is a fixed displacement motor with 5.4 cubic inches ofdisplacement per revolution. It is contemplated that other hydraulicmotors can be used in accordance with the present disclosure.

Hydraulic motor 80 includes a rotatable drive shaft to which propeller98 is secured. During operation of hydraulic motor 80, the drive shaftand, correspondingly, propeller 98 are rotated to provide a thrust forcethat acts to move barge assembly 18. Forward and reverse thrust can begenerated by changing the direction of rotation of the drive shaft ofhydraulic motor 80. In an exemplary embodiment, ring 100 is providedaround propeller 98 to protect propeller 98 from damage. For example,ring 100 protects the blades of propeller 98 from scraping the bottomsurface of a waterway. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, three arms 102connect ring 100 to hydraulic motor housing 94. Arms 102 and ring 100form a protective structure to keep foreign debris from enteringpropeller 98. In an exemplary embodiment, ring 100 provides a ductedpropeller installation, that when combined with a Kaplan style propeller98, provides increased efficiency over a non-ducted propellerinstallation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, outdrive unit 68 is connected to abarge 20 via frame 70 and a connector system as discussed in more detailbelow. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, frame 70 generally includeshorizontal members 106, vertical members 108, upper base 110, lower base112, endplate 114, lifting brackets 116, mast receiving tube 118, andmachined flange 120. Horizontal members 106 and vertical members 108 aresteel members welded together to form frame 70. Additionally, verticalmembers 108 each define a vertical member longitudinal cavity 109extending from the top end of frame 70 to the bottom end of frame 70.Upper base 110 and lower base 112 extend horizontally from a respectivehorizontal member 106 and have a generally U-shape. The distance betweenupper base 110 and lower base 112 can vary as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and7. Both upper base 110 and lower base 112 have a centrally locatedaperture. Mast receiving tube 118 is welded to upper base 110 and lowerbase 112 within the centrally located aperture and defines opening 122for receiving mast 76 therethrough. The length of tube 118 is dependenton the distance between upper base 110 and lower base 112. The distancebetween upper base 110 and lower base 112 is determined by the bargedepth to which frame 70 is attached. For example, industry standardbarge depths are 5 feet (60 inches) and 7 feet (84 inches). Mast 76extends through mast opening 122 of frame 70 and is received withinframe 70 such that mast 76 is moveable in a vertical rectilineardirection relative to frame 70. Frame 70 is connected to a desired barge20 by the same connection system used to interconnect barges 20 as willbe discussed below.

Referring to FIG. 7, frame 70 also includes lifting brackets 116 eachhaving eye 132. Lifting brackets 116 are positioned to allow a straightvertical hang of frame 70 for ease of installation of frame 70 to adesired barge 20. Eyes 132 provide attachment points for running wirerope and/or hooks therethrough for attachment to a crane to liftthruster unit 14.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, turntable bearing assembly 72 rotates mast76 and propeller assembly 78 about a longitudinal axis of mast 76. Oneexample of a suitable turntable bearing assembly 72 is a Kaydon® MTE415turntable bearing available from Kaydon Corporation. Turntable bearingassembly 72 comprises an outer ring and an inner ring, the outer ringrotatable on ball bearings positioned between the outer ring and theinner ring. The inner ring of turntable bearing 72 is mounted onmachined flange 120 (FIG. 7) located on upper base 110 of frame 70. Inan exemplary embodiment, turntable bearing 72 is mounted to a surfacehaving a specific degree of flatness to prevent turntable bearing 72from getting bent or twisted out of shape during use. Accordingly,flange 120 is machined to meet the specific flatness requirement ofturntable bearing 72. The inner ring of turntable bearing 72 is mountedon machined flange 120 so that the outer ring of turntable bearing 72 isfree to rotate on the ball bearings.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, mount plate 134 is secured to the outerring of turntable bearing 72 by a plurality of fasteners. Mount plate134 also provides a surface to mount hydraulic cylinders 136 of liftassembly 74 thereon. Next, bushing 138 is mounted to mount plate 134 bya plurality of fasteners. Bushing 138 is preferably made of a plasticmaterial to prevent metal on metal contact with mast 76. This preventsuncontrolled deformation between two metal materials and reduces thewear and heat caused by metal on metal contact. One example of asuitable bushing 138 is a Delrin® keyed bushing available from MeyerPlastics, Inc.

In an exemplary embodiment, bushing 138 includes two female keyways 140which respectively mate with mast keys 86 located on mast 76. FIGS. 10Aand 10B illustrate a first female keyway 140 mated with a first mast key86 at a front location of mast 76, and FIG. 12 illustrates a secondfemale keyway 140 mated with a second mast key 86 at a rear location ofmast 76. When mast 76 is positioned with respect to bushing 138 so thatmast keys 86 are mated with respective female keyways 140, then rotationof turntable bearing 72 rotates mast 76 and propeller assembly 78. It iscontemplated that other mechanical devices can also be used inaccordance with the present disclosure to connect mast 76 and bushing138.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, in one embodiment, protective cover 139 ispositioned over turntable bearing assembly 72 and secured to upper base110 of frame 70. Cover 139 is a plastic safety cover which protectsturntable bearing assembly 72 from contamination by dust or otherparticles. Further, cover 139 prevents unintended interference withturntable bearing assembly 72.

Referring to FIG. 12, steering motor 142 is shown mounted to upper base110 of frame 70 by steering motor bracket 144. Steering motor bracket144 is secured to steering motor 142 and upper base 110 by a pluralityof fasteners or could be welded in place. Two hydraulic lines 34 a(FIGS. 14 and 16) run into steering motor hose ports 148 to providepressurized hydraulic fluid to steering motor 142. Referring to FIG. 16,the two hydraulic lines 34 a provide for bi-directional motion tooperate steering motor 142 in both a clockwise and a counterclockwisedirection. Steering motor 142 includes a rotatable steering motor driveshaft to which pinion gear 150 is secured. During operation of steeringmotor 142, the steering motor drive shaft and, correspondingly, piniongear 150 are rotated. Pinion gear 150 engages and drives the outer ringof turntable bearing 72 which is cut with gear teeth 152 (FIG. 14) whichmate with pinion gear 150. Thus, turntable bearing 72 rotates mast 76and propeller assembly 78 about a longitudinal axis of mast 76.Advantageously, there is a significant mechanical advantage (6:1)developed due to the relatively large diameter of the turntable gear 152working in combination with the smaller diameter of pinion gear 150. Forexample, pinion gear 150 will turn with approximately 300 ft.-lbs. oftorque driven by hydraulic steering motor 142, which results in about1,800 ft.-lbs. of torque at the pivot point of mast 76.

Turntable bearing assembly 72 also supports and rotates the hydrauliccomponents, i.e., hydraulic cylinders 136 of lift assembly 74, whichcause vertical rectilinear movement of mast 76 and propeller assembly 78relative to frame 70. Turntable bearing assembly 72 supports thevertical forces, i.e., weight of the hydraulic components. In additionto supporting the weight, i.e., the axial load, turntable bearingassembly 72 also resists radial and moment loads. The radial loadcomponent is generated as a result of the propeller thrust and acts in adirection perpendicular to the axial load. The moment load is a bendingmoment at turntable bearing 72 which also results from the propellerthrust. This is essentially a torque which twists turntable bearingassembly 72. The ball bearings inside turntable bearing assembly 72 areuniquely suited to support all of these loads simultaneously. Further,turntable bearing assembly 72 transfers these loads to frame 70 and thusinto the barge 20 which frame 70 is pinned to.

Referring to FIG. 10A, in an exemplary embodiment, two hydrauliccylinders 136 cause vertical rectilinear movement of mast 76 andpropeller assembly 78 relative to frame 70. As previously discussed,hydraulic cylinders 136 are mounted to mount plate 134. Further,hydraulic cylinders 136 are connected to mast 76 by adjustable mastclamp 154. Mast clamp 154 includes two semi-cylindrical shaped membershaving clamping brackets 156 and clevis fasteners 158 for connectinghydraulic cylinders 136 to mast 76. Once mast clamp 154 is placed in adesired position relative to mast 76, clamping brackets 156 are securedtogether by a plurality of fasteners to secure mast clamp 154 to mast76. Before securing together clamping brackets 156, adjustable mastclamp 154 can slide up or down mast 76 longitudinally. This allows foradjustment of the location of mast 76 in its fully up top position andits fully down bottom position.

In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, clamping brackets 156comprise bracket member 164 having an upper portion which defines eye165. Eye 165, similar to eyes 132 of lifting brackets 116, provides anattachment point for running wire rope and/or hooks therethrough forattachment to a crane to lift thruster unit 14. Also, as shown in FIG.11, hydraulic line carrier 166 is used to capture, guide, and protecthydraulic lines 34 c, 34 d (FIG. 14) that connect to the top of mast 76at bulkhead fitting 82.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 16, each hydraulic cylinder 136 has a top hoseport 160 at a top location and a bottom hose port 162 at a bottomlocation. One hydraulic line 34 b (FIGS. 14 and 16) connects to eachhydraulic cylinder bottom hose port 162 to provide pressurized hydraulicfluid to each hydraulic cylinder 136. In an exemplary embodiment, flowdivider 220 (FIG. 16) is provided which ensures that an equal volume offluid is distributed to each port 162 to keep the travel of hydrauliccylinders 136 synchronized. Further, a first top hydraulic hose (FIG.16) connects to a top hose port 160 of one of hydraulic cylinders 136.An additional hydraulic hose (FIG. 16) runs from a top hose port 160 ofthe hydraulic cylinder 136 receiving the first top hydraulic hose andconnects to a top hose port 160 of the other hydraulic cylinder 136.This arrangement causes hydraulic cylinders 136 to be controlled at thesame rate and same speed and causes vertical movement of mast 76 andpropeller assembly 78 from a fully up position to a fully down positionand back.

Referring to FIG. 15, when hydraulic cylinders 136 are in a fully upposition propeller 98 is above bottom 24 of barge assembly 18 to protectpropeller 98. For example, this ensures that bottom 24 of barge assembly18 would contact the bottom surface of a waterway first to preventdamage to propeller 98.

When hydraulic cylinders 136 are in a fully down position, propeller 98is completely below bottom 24 of barge assembly 18 to ensure propeller98 receives an adequate water flow into its propeller blades to maximizeperformance. However, if propeller 98 is positioned too far from bottom24 of barge assembly 18, there is a risk of propeller 98 hitting thebottom surface of a waterway. Should propeller assembly 78 of thrusterunit 14 come into contact with a rigid underwater obstruction,advantageously, hydraulic cylinders 136 provide a means of shockabsorption. For example, when thruster unit 14 is fully lowered into thewater and hydraulic cylinders 136 are fully retracted, if propellerassembly 78 comes into contact with a large rock on a lake bottom thatresults in a large, immediate upward force on mast 76, hydrauliccylinders 136 will take some of that shock load and will deploy with aspring stiffness that is proportional to the hydraulic pressure insidethe hydraulic system at that moment. In other words, hydraulic cylinders136 will absorb some of the shock energy thereby reducing the stresseson frame 70, Poseidon I connector device 56 (or Poseidon II connectordevice 66), and barge assembly 18. The shock energy absorbed willmanifest itself as a momentary increase in system pressure inside thehydraulic system.

Referring to FIG. 5, hydraulic power unit 12 generally includes frame168, horizontal base frame members 170, vertical frame members 172,diesel engine 174, engine cover 176, hydraulic pump 178, hydraulic fluidtank 180, hydraulic power unit connection panel 37, a plurality ofhydraulic power unit connection panel hydraulic connectors 39, operatorhelm platform 184, control panel 186, steering wheel 188, and weldingbrackets 190.

Hydraulic power unit frame 168 forms a base for securing hydraulic powerunit 12 to deck 22 of a desired barge 20 and supports diesel engine 174,hydraulic pump 178, hydraulic fluid tank 180, and operator helm platform184. In an exemplary embodiment, frame 168 includes welding brackets 190for securing power unit 12 to deck 22.

Diesel engine 174 provides power to hydraulic pump 178, whichpressurizes hydraulic fluid from hydraulic fluid tank 180 for deliveryto hydraulic motor 80, steering motor 142, and hydraulic cylinders 136of lift assembly 74 via a plurality of rigid or flexible hydrauliclines, as shown in FIG. 16. Engine cover 176 protects diesel engine 174from contamination.

An operator of barge pusher unit 10 stands on helm platform 184 tocontrol the various components of barge pusher unit 10. For example, anoperator uses controls located on control panel 186 to control theopening and closing of valves to control the delivery of pressurizedhydraulic fluid from pump 178 to the various components of thruster unit14. These controls control the direction and speed of rotation of arotatable drive shaft of hydraulic motor 80 to which propeller 98 issecured. Additionally, these controls control the direction and speed ofrotation of a rotatable steering motor drive shaft of steering motor 142to control turntable bearing assembly 72 which rotates mast 76 andpropeller assembly 78 about the longitudinal axis of mast 76. Finally,controls located on panel 186 control hydraulic cylinders 136 whichdirect vertical rectilinearly movement of mast 76 and propeller assembly78 between a fully up top position and a fully down bottom position.

In an exemplary embodiment, hydraulic power unit 12 includes ahydrostatic transmission to adjust the volume of fluid flow supplied tohydraulic motor 80 by controls located on control panel 186.

Further, a directional control valve installed on hydraulic power unit12 distributes flow volume between steering motor 142 and hydrauliccylinders 136. The directional control valve provides a certainpercentage of flow to hydraulic cylinders 136 and a balance of the totalflow to steering motor 142. The exact percentage can be adjusted byadjusting the control valve. The directional control valve also protectshydraulic cylinders 136 from uncontrolled cylinder retraction should ahose burst anywhere between hydraulic power unit 12 and thruster unit14. For example, if an individual hose from hydraulic power unit 12 tohydraulic cylinder 136 should burst, that hydraulic cylinder 136 wouldlose pressure, but the second hydraulic cylinder 136 would still be ableto hold mast 76 up. This is an additional advantage of having twohydraulic cylinders 136.

As previously discussed, thruster unit 14 and hydraulic power unit 12are separate units that are hydraulically connected via a plurality ofrigid or flexible hydraulic lines that carry pressurized hydraulicfluid.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the plurality of hydraulic linesinclude a plurality of thruster unit hydraulic lines 34 and a pluralityof hydraulic power unit hydraulic lines 36 (FIGS. 1, 5, 14 and 16) thatare hydraulically connected via thruster unit connection panel 16.Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, thruster unit hydraulic lines 34,including hydraulic lines 34 a, 34 b, 34 c, 34 d, carry pressurizedhydraulic fluid and are connected to various connectors on connectionpanel 16 at first line ends, and are connected to various components ofthruster unit 14 at second ends opposite the first ends.

For example, in one exemplary embodiment, three hydraulic lines 34 c, 34d (FIGS. 14 and 16) run to hydraulic motor 80. Referring to FIGS. 14 and16, the two hydraulic lines 34 c that run from thruster unit connectionpanel 16 into ports 88 located in bulkhead fitting 82, and down throughmast 76 to hydraulic motor 80, are bi-directional hydraulic lines. Asdiscussed above, an operator of barge pusher unit 10 standing onoperator helm platform 184 of hydraulic power unit 12 can control thedirection of rotation of the drive shaft of hydraulic motor 80. In thefirst direction of rotation of the drive shaft of the hydraulic motor80, a first hydraulic line 34 c carries pressurized hydraulic fluid fordelivery to hydraulic motor 80 and a second hydraulic line 34 c returnshydraulic fluid back to hydraulic pump 178 of hydraulic power unit 12.Next, in the second, opposite direction of rotation of the drive shaftof hydraulic motor 80, hydraulic lines 34 c swap function, i.e., secondhydraulic line 34 c now carries pressurized hydraulic fluid for deliveryto hydraulic motor 80 and the first hydraulic line 34 c now returnshydraulic fluid back to hydraulic pump 178. Additionally, hydraulic line34 d that runs from connection panel 16 into a third port 88 located inbulkhead fitting 82 is an over-pressure hydraulic line. Also, in oneexemplary embodiment, two hydraulic lines 34 a run from thruster unitconnection panel 16 and into steering motor 142 via hose ports 148, andhydraulic lines 34 b run from connection panel 16 and into bottom hoseport 162 of each hydraulic cylinder 136.

Power unit hydraulic lines 36 are connected to control valves (notshown) and hydraulic pump 178 via hydraulic connectors 39 located onhydraulic power unit connection panel 37 (FIG. 5) at first line ends,and are connected to various connectors on thruster unit connectionpanel 16 at ends opposite the first ends. Preferably, hydraulicconnectors 39 are hydraulic quick disconnect fittings for connectinghydraulic lines. FIG. 16 schematically illustrates the connection ofhydraulic lines 36 from hydraulic connectors 39 located on hydraulicpower unit connection panel 37 to hydraulic power unit hydraulicconnectors 198 located on thruster unit connection panel 16. Thrusterunit lines 34 and power unit lines 36 are in fluid communication via aplurality of hydraulic connectors 196, 198 (FIGS. 12 and 13) in fluidcommunication through apertures located in thruster unit connectionpanel 16. Advantageously, thruster unit connection panel 16 andhydraulic power unit connection panel 37 allow quick disconnect fittingsto easily couple and decouple hydraulic power unit hydraulic lines 36.This allows thruster unit 14 and hydraulic power unit 12 to be separatefrom each other, thus making it easier to transport thruster unit 14 andhydraulic power unit 12 to the job site. Additionally, thruster unitconnection panel 16 allows thruster unit 14 to be secured to bargeassembly 18 at a variety of different positions at varying distancesfrom hydraulic power unit 12. Other advantages of thruster unitconnection panel 16 include reducing the likelihood of hydraulic fluidspill by using quick-disconnect fittings and rapid system set-up andtear-down without the use of tools.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 14, a first embodiment of thruster unitconnection panel 16 is illustrated. In this embodiment, panel 16generally includes a base member 192, vertical support member 194, aplurality of thruster unit hydraulic connectors 196 (FIG. 13), and aplurality of hydraulic power unit hydraulic connectors 198 (FIG. 12).Base member 192 provides a securement element to secure thruster unitconnection panel 16 to upper base 110 of frame 70. Vertical supportmember 194 extends vertically perpendicular to base member 192 and hasthruster unit hydraulic connectors 196 (FIG. 13) located on a thrusterunit side of vertical support member 194, and hydraulic power unithydraulic connectors 198 (FIG. 12) located on a hydraulic power unitside of support member 194. Preferably, hydraulic power unit hydraulicconnectors 198 are hydraulic quick disconnect fittings for connectinghydraulic lines and connectors 196 are standard fittings.

One such example of hydraulic quick disconnect fittings that can be usedin accordance with the present disclosure are the hydraulic quickdisconnect fittings available from Stucchi USA, Inc. of Romeoville, Ill.Hydraulic quick disconnect fittings allow hydraulic power unit hydrauliclines 36 to be quickly and easily connected and disconnected to thrusterunit connection panel 16.

Another embodiment of thruster unit connection panel 16 is shown inFIGS. 11-13. In this embodiment, thruster unit connection panel 16generally includes vertical base members 200, feet 202, and supportmember 204. Similar to the first embodiment of connection panel 16, thisembodiment of connection panel 16 includes thruster unit hydraulicconnectors 196 (FIG. 13) located on a thruster unit side of supportmember 204, and hydraulic power unit hydraulic connectors 198 (FIG. 12)located on a hydraulic power unit side of support member 204. Referringto FIG. 12, two vertical base members 200 include feet 202 which aresecured to upper base 110 of frame 70 to secure connection panel 16 toframe 70. Support member 204 is connected to an upper portion ofvertical base members 200 and includes thruster unit hydraulicconnectors 196 on a first side and hydraulic power unit hydraulicconnectors 198 on an opposite second side.

In both embodiments of connection panel 16 discussed above, thrusterunit hydraulic lines 34 are connected to thruster unit hydraulicconnectors 196 of connection panel 16, and hydraulic power unithydraulic lines 36 are connected to hydraulic power unit hydraulicconnectors 198. Hydraulic lines 34 and hydraulic lines 36 are in fluidcommunication with each other via apertures located in support members194, 204. In an exemplary embodiment, both thruster unit hydraulic lines34 and hydraulic power unit hydraulic lines 36 will be covered in aprotective sheath enclosing all hydraulic lines.

In a second exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, hydraulicconnectors 210 are located on bulkhead fitting 82 at the top of mast 76.This arrangement allows hydraulic lines 34 c (FIG. 10B) to run frompower unit 12 directly to hydraulic connectors 210 at the top of mast76, and down mast 76 to hydraulic motor 80, without having to firstconnect to thruster unit connection panel 16, as illustrated in FIG.10B. Alternatively, hydraulic connectors can be located at steeringmotor hose ports 148 to allow hydraulic lines to run from power unit 12to the hydraulic connectors at steering motor hose ports 148, and tosteering motor 142, without having to first connect to thruster unitconnection panel 16. Similarly, hydraulic connectors can be located athose ports 160, 162 of hydraulic cylinders 136 to allow hydraulic linesto run directly from power unit 12 to hydraulic connectors at ports 160,162, and to hydraulic cylinders 136, without having to first connect tothruster unit connection panel 16. In such embodiments, at least one ofthe hydraulic connections between power unit 12 and either hydraulicmotor 80, steering motor 142, or hydraulic cylinders 136 is via thrusterunit connection panel 16. In another embodiment, at least two of theseconnections are via thruster unit connection panel 16. In an exemplaryembodiment, hydraulic connectors 210, similar to hydraulic connectors196, 198 of connection panel 16, are hydraulic quick disconnect fittingsfor connecting hydraulic lines.

In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, additionalthruster unit 38 is secured to a second barge 20. In such an embodiment,additional thruster unit 38 is hydraulically connected to hydraulicpower unit 12 by thruster unit hydraulic lines 40 that connect with anadditional set of hydraulic power unit hydraulic lines 42 via additionalthruster unit connection panel 44 mounted on additional thruster unit38. In such an embodiment, hydraulic power unit connection panel 37 ofhydraulic power unit 12 is sized to have enough connections to supporttwo thruster units 14, 38. Additional thruster unit 38 provides bargepusher unit 10 with optimal turning power for maneuvering largesectional barge assemblies. In an alternative embodiment, additionalthruster unit 38 can have hydraulic connectors, similar to hydraulicconnectors 210, located at the top of its mast to allow hydraulic linesto run from hydraulic pump 178 to the hydraulic connectors at the top ofits mast without having to first connect to additional thruster unitconnection panel 44. In another embodiment, an additional hydraulicpower unit 12 could be utilized to power additional thruster unit 38. Inyet another embodiment, a plurality of hydraulic power units could beutilized to power numerous thruster units.

FIG. 16 illustrates the hydraulic system employed in an exemplarybarge-thruster arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure.

As previously discussed, frame 70 is connected to a desired barge 20 bythe same connection systems used to interconnect barges 20. Referring toFIGS. 2-4, two universal connection systems are disclosed forinterconnecting barges 20. A first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and3 is the Poseidon I connection system compatible with Rendrag® stylebarges available from Poseidon Barge Corporation of Fort Wayne, Ind. Thesecond embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is the Poseidon II connectionsystem compatible with Flexifloat® style barges, also available fromPoseidon Barge Corporation. Both the Poseidon I connection system andthe Poseidon II connection system are universal connection systemsassociated with construction barges.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, the Poseidon I connection systemgenerally includes a plurality of keyhole-shaped connection elements 46each defining a female receiving cavity 48. Connection elements 46 aremade of a steel or similar material and are welded to barge 20 withinlongitudinal cavities 32. In an exemplary embodiment, a first connectionelement 46 is welded to barge 20 within longitudinal cavity 32 at a topposition adjacent to deck 22 and a second connection element 46 iswelded to barge 20 within longitudinal cavity 32 at a bottom positionadjacent bottom 24. In such an arrangement, each longitudinal cavity 32of barge 20 includes a first and second connection element 46 providingbarge 20 with a plurality of connection elements 46 spaced along itsperiphery. In alternative embodiments, connection elements 46 may bepositioned in other arrangements relative to barge 20.

Each connection element 46 has a protrusion 50 located on a first outerportion and defines a recess 52 on a second outer portion. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, protrusions 50 of connection elements 46 on afirst barge 20 are sized to be received in respective recesses 52 ofconnection elements 46 on a second barge 20. After aligning andpositioning barges 20 together by cooperating respective protrusions 50and recesses 52 of connection elements 46, a plurality of Poseidon Imale connector devices 56 are used to interconnect the barges 20together. Each Poseidon I connector device 56 has a dog bone shapedcross-section and slides through female receiving cavities 48 ofadjacent connection elements 46 to interlock respective connectionelements 46 on a first barge 20 and connection elements 46 on a secondbarge 20. Connector device 56 slides along the longitudinal axis oflongitudinal cavity 32. The Poseidon I connection system can be used tointerconnect as many barges 20 as desired to form a barge assembly 18.

The second exemplary embodiment for interconnecting barges 20, thePoseidon II connection system, is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. In thisembodiment, the Poseidon II connection system generally includes twotypes of Poseidon II connection elements 58 a, 58 b. Poseidon IIconnection elements 58 a, 58 b are made of a steel or similar materialand are welded to barge 20. A first type of connection element 58 adefines a female receiving cavity 60 and a recess 62, and is welded tobarge 20 within longitudinal cavity 32. In an exemplary embodiment, afirst connection element 58 a is welded to barge 20 within longitudinalcavity 32 at a top position adjacent to deck 22 and a second connectionelement 58 a is welded to barge 20 within longitudinal cavity 32 at abottom position adjacent to bottom 24. A second type of connectionelement 58 b includes protrusion 64 that is sized to be received inrespective recesses 62 of the first type of connection element 58 a.After aligning and positioning barges 20 together by respectivelycooperating protrusions 64 of the second type of connection elements 58b with recesses 62 of the first type of connection elements 58 a, aplurality of Poseidon II male connector devices 66 are used tointerconnect barges 20 together. Connector devices 66 act as aguillotine component which captures protrusion 64 aligned within recess62 of respective connection elements 58 a, 58 b to provide a secureconnection between barges 20. Similar to the Poseidon I connectionsystem discussed above, the Poseidon II connection system can be used tointerconnect as many barges 20 as desired to form a barge assembly 18.

Frame 70 can be secured to barge 20 by either a Poseidon I connectionsystem or a Poseidon II connection system. For example, frame 70 canhave either Poseidon I type connection elements or Poseidon II typeconnection elements welded thereto. Referring to FIG. 7, frameconnection elements 124 are welded to frame 70 within longitudinalcavity 109 at a top position and at a bottom position. Endplates 114 arewelded to vertical members 108 and connection elements 124 to strengthenframe 70. In one embodiment, frame connection elements 124 comprise aPoseidon I connection system including female receiving cavity 126,protrusion 128, and recess 130. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, protrusions128 of frame connection elements 124 are sized to be received inrespective recesses 52 of a Poseidon I connection element 46 (FIGS. 2and 3). In the same manner as discussed above regarding using Poseidon Iconnector devices 56 to interconnect a first barge 20 and a second barge20 together, Poseidon I connector devices 56 can also be used to connectframe 70 to a desired barge 20.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, frame 70 is illustrated positioned to barge20 with frame connecting elements 124 of frame 70 aligned with PoseidonI connection elements 46 of barge 20, respectively. After frame 70 isproperly aligned with barge 20, a Poseidon I connector device 56 is usedto interconnect frame 70 and barge 20. Accordingly, Poseidon I connectordevices 56 can be used to interconnect frame 70 and barge 20, and tointerconnect barges 20 as previously discussed. Advantageously, thesystem of the present disclosure only requires one type of connectiondevice to interconnect a plurality of barges 20 and to connect frame 70of thruster unit 14 to a desired barge 20. Additionally, frame 70 can beconnected to any location on barge 20. In one embodiment, frame 70 canbe connected to eight possible locations on a twenty-foot barge. Inanother embodiment, frame 70 can be connected to sixteen possiblelocations on a forty-foot barge

In an alternate embodiment, frame 70 can include a Poseidon IIconnection system that is compatible with Poseidon II connectionelements 58 a, 58 b secured to a barge 20, as illustrated in FIG. 4, tosecure frame 70 to a desired barge 20. In this embodiment, frame 70having Poseidon II connection elements and barge 20 having Poseidon IIconnection elements 58 a, 58 b are interconnected together in the samemanner as described previously with respect to using a Poseidon IIconnection system to interconnect sectional barges 20.

Although two exemplary arrangements of interconnecting barges 20, andframe 70 to a desired barge 20, are discussed above, it is contemplatedthat other connecting devices can be used in accordance with the presentdisclosure to interconnect as many barges 20 as desired to form a bargeassembly 18 and to interconnect frame 70 to a desired barge 20.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. In combination: a sectional barge assembly,comprising: at least a first barge and a second barge; a plurality offirst connection elements on said first barge; a plurality of secondconnection elements on said second barge aligned with said plurality offirst connection elements; and connector devices of a givenconfiguration interconnecting said plurality of first connectionelements and said plurality of second connection elements, respectively,to thereby connect said first barge and said second barge together; athruster unit for maneuvering said sectional barge assembly, saidthruster unit comprising: a frame; a motor and a propeller drivinglyconnected to said motor, whereby said propeller provides a thrust forcethat acts to move said sectional barge assembly; and a thruster unitconnection element on said frame compatible with said connector devices,a connector device of said given configuration interconnecting a bargeconnection element and said thruster unit connection element to therebyconnect said thruster unit to said sectional barge assembly.
 2. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein said thruster unit is connected to anend wall or a side wall of said sectional barge assembly.
 3. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein said thruster unit further comprises avertically adjustable mast, said motor and propeller connected to alower end of said mast.
 4. The combination of claim 1, wherein saidconnector device is an elongate element that slidably engages a bargeconnection element and a thruster unit connection element.
 5. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein said thruster unit frame includes atleast one vertical member having a longitudinal cavity, at least onesaid thruster unit connection element disposed within said longitudinalcavity.
 6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said thruster unit frameincludes at least two horizontally spaced vertical members each having alongitudinal cavity, each longitudinal cavity including at least onethruster unit connection element.
 7. The combination of claim 1, whereinsaid barge connection elements and said thruster unit connectionelements each include a recess and a protrusion, a protrusion of a givenconnection element receivable within a recess of another connectionelement.
 8. The combination of claim 7, wherein said connector devicehas a male cross section which slidably engages female receivingcavities of a pair of respective adjacent barge and thruster unitconnection elements.
 9. The combination of claim 1, wherein one of saidbarge connection elements and said thruster unit connection elementsincludes a single protrusion and the other of said barge connectionelements and said thruster unit connection elements each includes asingle recess, said protrusion alignable within said recess.
 10. Thecombination of claim 9, wherein said first connector device is anelongate element which slidably engages a pair of respective adjacentconnection elements to capture said protrusion within said recess. 11.In combination: a barge that is adapted to be connected to other bargesby means of a plurality of barge connection elements positioned along atleast one of an end wall and a side wall of said barge; a thruster unitfor maneuvering said barge, said thruster unit comprising: a frame; amotor and a propeller drivingly connected to said motor, whereby saidpropeller provides a thrust force that acts to move said barge; and atleast one thruster unit connection element on said frame; said thrusterunit connected to an end wall or a side wall of said barge by means ofat least one first connector device that respectively engages a bargeconnection element on said barge and a thruster unit connection elementon said frame.
 12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said thrusterunit further comprises a vertically adjustable mast, said motor andpropeller connected to a lower end of said mast.
 13. The combination ofclaim 11, wherein said first connector device is an elongate elementthat slidably engages a barge connection element and a thruster unitconnection element.
 14. The combination of claim 11, wherein saidthruster unit frame includes at least one vertical member having alongitudinal cavity, at least one said thruster unit connection elementdisposed within said longitudinal cavity.
 15. The combination of claim14, wherein said thruster unit frame includes at least two horizontallyspaced vertical members each having a longitudinal cavity, eachlongitudinal cavity including at least one thruster unit connectionelement.
 16. The combination of claim 1, wherein said barge connectionelements and said thruster unit connection elements each include arecess and a protrusion, a protrusion of a given connection elementreceivable within a recess of another connection element.
 17. Thecombination of claim 16, wherein said first connector device has a malecross section which slidably engages female receiving cavities of a pairof respective adjacent barge and thruster unit connection elements. 18.The combination of claim 1, wherein one of said barge connectionelements and said thruster unit connection elements includes a singleprotrusion and the other of said barge connection elements and saidthruster unit connection elements each includes a single recess, saidprotrusion alignable within said recess.
 19. The combination of claim18, wherein said first connector device is an elongate element whichslidably engages a pair of respective adjacent connection elements tocapture said protrusion within said recess.